FTA Vehicle Technology plc

In what grades of hardness is Vulkollan® manufactured?

Vulkollan® is manufactured as standard in 90 or 95 Shore A. For specific applications, it is also produced in 80 Shore A.

For comparison:

  • Rubber: 25 to 80 Shore A
  • Plastics: 55 to 95 Shore A
  • Vulkollan: 80–90 Shore A

The optimum mechanical and dynamic properties of Vulkollan® are achieved at a hardness of 90 Shore A.

Vulkollan® 95 Shore A has a load-bearing capacity that is approximately 15 per cent higher than that of 90 Shore A.

Vulkollan® 80 Shore A may be a suitable solution where greater grip on the running surface is required.

Vulkollan® = a registered trademark of Covesto

Is Vulkollan® tear-resistant?

Vulkollan® has a high resistance to further tearing. Vulkollan® is resistant to damage from cutting: even surfaces that have been cut into do not tear any further, meaning the material remains functional.

How does the tensile strength of Vulkollan® compare with that of other materials?

Vulkollan® has high elongation + high tensile strength + high stiffness. Vulkollan® 90 Shore A has an elongation of almost seven times its original length.

Plastics and metals: high tensile strength and high stiffness, but low elongation and minimal elasticity.

Rubber: high elongation, but low tensile strength and low stiffness.

Does Vulkollan® have a longer service life than rubber?

Vulkollan® has exceptionally good abrasion resistance and suffers up to half the volume loss due to wear compared with natural rubber. To ensure optimum wear resistance, the temperature must not be too high.

How strong is the adhesion of Vulkollan®?

A special surface treatment ensures optimum chemical adhesion to all metal surfaces (cast iron, steel, aluminium, stainless steel, etc.)

At what temperatures can Vulkollan® be used?

Vulkollan® remains elastic and shock-absorbing down to –40°C. At temperatures up to approximately 125°C, most properties are permanently impaired, with the exception of the modulus of elasticity.

Tear resistance – and consequently wear resistance – are significantly reduced at temperatures above 80°C. At temperatures above 125°C, permanent damage to the chemical structure occurs.

Can Vulkollan® be machined after it has been manufactured?

Vulkollan® can still be machined, provided that the material’s elastic properties are taken into account. Turning, milling and drilling should only be carried out by technically experienced staff using the correct equipment.

What impact do environmental factors have on quality?

The natural colour of Vulkollan® is yellow-brown. Due to Desmodur 15 and under the influence of UV light, Vulkollan® turns dark to black.

Changes in colour, even if they vary, do not affect the quality.

Degradation of Vulkollan® in hot water. How can this be prevented?

The degradation of polyurethanes when in contact with hot water (hydrolysis). In warm and humid conditions, the effects of hydrolysis can be delayed by adding Vulkollan® STABAXOL.

Flattening when subjected to a load during prolonged inactivity. How does Vukollan® behave?

Compared with other polyurethanes, Vulkollan® has very low permanent deformation. As a result, Vulkollan® wheels are less prone to ‘flat spots’, also known as ‘Monday-morning soles’.

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